Cam Skattebo
Skattebo went from lead back to a role in doubt after his fumble in overtime against Washington and the six-snap, zero-touch game against New Orleans, and his job now depends on whether he earns the work back.
Role
Before Week 6, Fox Sports said he played no fewer than 57 percent of snaps in the first five games and averaged 18.2 touches. Against the Saints he played six offensive snaps, all in the first half, with no carries or targets (Washington Post, Oct. 18). Harbaugh said the work is being split among four backs. Najee Harris was reportedly set to start, and Fantasy Nerds names Tyrone Tracy and Devin Singletary as the other backs. Fantasy Nerds also says he fell to fourth on the depth chart. I did not fetch the Giants' own depth chart, so I can't confirm that. Tracy scored a rushing and a receiving touchdown against New Orleans. Harris said he expected more than his four carries.
Harbaugh said he did not bench Skattebo and blamed the split on four backs sharing snaps and on a game script that went no-huddle after the Giants fell behind. He also said none of the backs has stepped up to be the lead back. The other backs managed 34 yards on 14 carries (2.4 per carry) without him. Fantasy Nerds suggests that weak output could open the door for his return. Skattebo said the message was to keep his head down and keep going.
Skattebo has fumbled four times in five games, including a lost fumble in overtime at Washington that cost the Giants a field-goal chance. He said he was "punished", and Yahoo's Giants Wire called the six snaps essentially a role elimination. Heavy notes he averages 3.6 yards per carry this season and has had no run longer than 20 yards. Harris's success rate (51.9%) is better than his (45.7%), per A to Z Sports. Fantasy Nerds also reports the Giants are rumored to be exploring trades for other backs such as James Conner or Tony Pollard. That rumor is unconfirmed.
Where analysts split
The disagreement is whether Week 6 was a one-week punishment for fumbles or a lasting demotion. Skattebo and several outlets call it punishment. Harbaugh denies that and says it was a four-way split with no back claiming the job. Nobody has said how the snaps will be divided in Week 7.
Injury: Questionable: assessed real
Hamstring, day-to-day, game-time decision possible
Skattebo tweaked his hamstring in Week 7 and was seen working off to the side during practice coming out of the bye; the report explicitly says he's day-to-day and could be a game-time call for Sunday against the Eagles, with Singletary next up if he can't go or is limited.
What would change this: His practice participation level (full/limited/DNP) across Wednesday through Friday of Week 9 before the Eagles game.
Research confidence: reported. Outlooks are grounded in web search over current reporting and refreshed through the season.
Others at RB
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